Photography: The Key Concepts

by David Bate

Providing a thorough and comprehensive introduction to the study of photography, this second edition of The Key Concepts has been expanded and updated to cover more fully contemporary changes to photography. Photography is a part of everyday life; from news and advertisements, to data collection and surveillance, to the shaping of personal and social identity, we are constantly surrounded by the photographic image. Outlining an overview of photographic genres, David Bate explores how these varied practices can be coded and interpreted using key theoretical models. Building upon the genres included in the first edition – documentary, portraiture, landscape, still life, art and global photography – this second edition includes two new chapters on snapshots and the act of looking. The revised and expanded chapters are supported by over three times as many photographs as in the first edition, examining contemporary practices in more detail and equipping students with the analytical skills they need, both in their academic studies and in their own practical work.An indispensable guide to the field, The Key Concepts is core reading for all courses that consider the place of photography in society, within photographic practice, visual culture, art, media and cultural studies.

Genres: Photography, Art, Nonfiction

518 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2009

Reviews

[Parham · Rating 5 out of 5]

کتاب حجم زیادی از اطلاعات و اسامی و تاریخ ها و ... رو توی هشت بخش اصلی (تاریخ، نظریه عکاسی، عکاسی مستند، عکاسی پرتره، عکاسی منظره، طبیعت بی جان، عکاسی هنری، حهانی شدن عکاسی) به آدم میده و شاید برای بعضی ها حوصله سر بر باشه، ولی برای کسی که میخواد عکاس باشه یا صرفا به عکس علاقه داره و دنبال میکنه کتاب جالب و مفیدیه.

[Elenasavoldi · Rating 3 out of 5]

di come i generi fotografici si sono evoluti e che regole seguono

[Farras Abdelnour · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative book, as compact as it is. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in getting into photography.

[Jason Machinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers a lot of the theory of photography. It is not a dry read and covers the topics well along with posses many questions that are very engaging.

As a lover of the history of photography the chapter on critically examining the historical writings of photography was very interesting. It also introduced me to many new writers on the subject.

Overall an excellent read for anyone looking to get a good overview of photography's key concepts.

[Donal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wide ranging introduction to the theory of photography, that defines and explores genres that are generally recognised. The theory of art and the web of different schools, theories, movements- from surrealism to structuralism, post-structuralism, and postmodernism, all get a mention too. In general this is a great start in getting a grasp of a wider concept of the art. No tips though on how to take sharp images handheld with the shutter set to 1/2.

[Navid Ebrahimi Mood · Rating 3 out of 5]

واقعا کتاب خوبیه برای اونایی که به عکاسی علاقه دارن و مطالب مهم و خوبی رو ارائه کرده
سه ستاره دادم چون واقعا کتاب سختیه
رسماً حس میکردم یه کتاب دانشگاهی هست و کمبود استاد رو به شدت حس می کردم و بعضی مباحث رو اصلا نفهمیدم به خاطر ناآشنایی با اصطلاحات و بحثهای فلسفی

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read for anyone who wants to really learn photography. Many books deal with how to use the camera which is alright and necessary when starting out, but after a while when you can use your camera competently those books can seem a bit redundant. This book talks about "photography thinking", it should be said now that it is not an instruction manual (as such).

Many subjects are covered like the differences between picturesque and grotesque, how photography was used in the early days and much much more; it is a book for people who want to look beyond how to make a picture look fantastic and learn about how photography is used and how we look at it. both as an art form and a way of recording existence.

This book can take any budding photographer to the next level.

[Schonink · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who are passionate about art and photography, this book is a neat introduction for beginners as well as a unique way to review many aspects in the art history.
However, it might be that, back in the time during my reading, I was not qualified enough to learn much from this work. It is not easy for me to get some crucial key information extracted from it and I wish this book could have come with more depth. All the flaws, so to speak, can be mended if the ones who read David's work are diligent enough to dig out the words unwritten.